V-belt fabric wrapping machine



Dec. 13, 1966 A. L.WORRALL, JR.. ETAL 3,291,674

V-BELT FABRIC WRAPPING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed se a. so, 1963 INVENTORS ASHTON LWORRALL JR.

DAVID C.WR|GHT ATT'YS.

Dec. 13, 1966 A. L. WORRALL, JR.. ETAL V-BELT FABRIC WRAPPING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 30, 1965 MOE ATTYS.

Dec. 13, 1966 A. L. WORRALL, JR.. ETAL 3,291,674

V-BELT FABRIC. WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Sept. 30, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS ASHTON LWORRALL JR.

DAVID C.WR|GHT ATTYS.

Dec. 13, 1966 A. L. WORRALL, JR, ETAL 3,291,674

V-BELT FABRIC WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Sept. 30, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS ASHTON LV/ORRALL JR.

DAV |D .WRIGHT ATTYS.

Dec. 13, 1966 A. 1.. WORRALL, JR.. ETAL 3,291,674

V-BELT FABRIC WRAPPING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 30. 1963 INVENTORS .WQ RALLJR. QWRIGHT wan QQN

NQN

ASHTON L BY DAVID ATTYS.

' Dec. 13, 1966 A. L.WORRALL, JR.. ETAL 3,291,674

V-BELT FABRIC WRAPPING MACHINE Filed Sept. 30, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS ASHTON L.WORRAL| JR.

BY DAVID C.WRIG+-!T ATTYS.

United States Patent Ofiice 329L674 Patented Dec. 13, 1966 3,291,674 V-BELT FABRIC WRAPPING MAUI-ENE Ashton L. Worraii, In, and David C. Wright, Cnyahoga Falls, Ohio, assignors to The Falls Engineering and Machine Co., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, a corporation of This invention relates to a machine for wrapping fabric or other materials around an endless belt, and more particularly relates to an automatic machine to wrap a strip of rubberized fabric tightly laterally around a V-belt prior to the vulcanization of the wrapped assembly.

Various styles of endless V-belts have been made and used for a considerable period of time. It has also been known that it substantially improves the life of these belts if a belt body or core is made, covered with a rubberized fabric and then vulcanized to insure a unitary structure of the belt core and the fabric covering. Heretofore, it has been a tedious manual job to wrap the rubberized fabric around the V-belt core prior to vulcanization. Machines have bene partially utilized to achieve the wrapping action, but they have been characterized by inefliciency of operation, poor Wrapping quality, and Wasting of material. Further, generally these machines have required that considerable manual effort or control be utilized in the fabric wrapping action, which decreases the speed of the operation, and raises the cost per unit. Patent No. 1,747,856 illustrates one prior wrapping machine which requires that the fabric be manually stitched in place before the machine is energized to complete the wrapping cycle.

It is the general object of the invention to avoid and overcome the foregoing and other difficulties of and objections to prior art practices by the provisions of a novel, improved apparatus and method for automatically and rapidly applying a cover to the core of an endless belt.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic V-belt fabric covering machine which utilizes offset fabric wrappin means to achieve an uphill wrap to obtain an extremely tight stretch of the fabric around the belt core to thereby achieve a stronger laminated belt structure with a minimum width of fabric covering material.

A further object of the invention is to provide a unique means to determine the proper circumferential length of the fabric to wrap on a belt so that a minimum circumferential overlap is obtained at the joining point insuring that a minimum length of fabric is used.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel means to initially apply the leading fabric end to the belt core, which means requires no manual effort, and which means is automatic and positive in operation.

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic V-belt fabric covering machine which can be readily adjusted to handle various widths and lengths of V-belts, and which adjustments can be quickly accomplished, and which provides proper wrapping and length cutting of the fabric regardless of belt length or size.

The aforesaid objects of the invention, and other objects which will become apparent as the description proceeds, are achieved by providing in an apparatus for automatically covering an endless belt core with a rubberized fabric the combination of, a frame, means rotatably mounted to the frame and adapted to support the belt core at circumferentially spaced points, a drive wheel operatively mounted for rotational movement on the frame, the drive wheel having a portion of the length of the belt core positioned with a reversed curvature against the outer periphery thereof, means operatively affixed to the frame to automatically position one end of an elongated fabric strip against the outer peripheral surface of the belt core, means to rotate the drive wheel when the core is positioned thereagainst after the end of the fabric strip has been positioned against the belt core, cam means eccentricaly mounted in relation to the drive wheel to fold the edges of the strip tightly about the belt core, and means to cut the fabric strip at the proper length to insure a minimum overlap of fabric around the circumferential length of the core. 7

For a better understanding of the invention reference should be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation of apparatus embodying the principles of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged plan view of the fabric strip carrying tray showing the guide means and the vacuum plate holding means provided to insure proper application of the fabric strip to the core;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the fabric carrying tray of FIGURE 2 showing the relation of the cam to the tray which cam properly pivots the tray at its outermost lateral movement to properly position the end of the fabric strip against the belt core;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary enlarged plan view of the pulleys, guide plates and rollers mounted on the vertically sliding plate of the apparatus and illustrating the folding steps which the fabric strip undergoes as it is wrapped laterally around the belt core;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary front elevation of the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 4 showing more clearly the relationship between the fabric strip, the core, and the disc and cam wrapping means;

FIGURE 6 is a vertical cross sectional view of the core and fabric strip taken on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a vertical cross sectional view of the core and fabric strip taken on the line 77 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 8 is a vertical cross sectional view of the core and fabric strip taken on the line 8-8 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 9 is a vertical cross sectional view of the core and fabric strip taken on the line 9-9 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged end elevation of only the side finger wrapping cams of the invention illustrating their relationship to each other and their actuating means;

FIGURE 11 is a schematic diagram of the invention showing a simplified pneumatic and electrical control system therefor;

FIGURE 12 is a bottom plan of one of the folding discs with one diagrammatic illustration of its position relative to the belt core;

FIGURE 13 is a vertical section of one of the guides or forming plates of the apparatus to show the initial engagement of the fabric strip therewith; and

FIGURES 14, 15, 16 and 17 are additional successive downstream sections of the guide plate of FIG. 13 to show the progressive shaping of the fabric strip edges in relation to the fan belt core.

Although the principles of the invention are broadly applicable to covering practically any type of belt or core, the invention is usually employed in covering an endless V-belt core, and hence it has been so illustrated and will be so described.

General machine With specific reference to the form of the invention illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the numeral 10 indicates generally a V-belt covering machine comprising a basic frame assembly .12, an extending frame arm 14, and supporting base frame legs 16. The essential parts mounted to the frame 12 include a V-belt forming head, indicated generally by the numeral 18, a drive wheel 20, a fabric strip material feed roll 22, and a fabric strip applying mechanism, indicated general- .iy by the numeral 24. To complete the basic machine,

a folding mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 26, is provided.

As is clearly indicate-d in FIGURE 1, a V- belt core 28 of any conventional construction is mounted by three pulleys 30, 32 and 34, respectively. The pulley 30 is mounted on an arm 36 which is slidably carried on the extending frame arm 14. Thus, the pulley 30 may be adjustably positioned by a lock collar means 38 to provide for positioning cores 28 of varying lengths. Pulley 32 is mounted on a vertically slidable support frame 40, which support frame is adjustably spring loaded, as at 42, to provide an upward bias to the pulley 32 when the core 28 is in the wrapping position, as will be described hereinafter. The pulley 34 is mounted on the forming head 18, and this pulley is normally driven in synchronism with the drive wheel 20 to provide movement to the core 28 in the direction indicated by arrows 44 during the wrapping operation. The invention contemplates that all of the pulleys 30, 32 and 34 will be of the common snap-on types so that the pulleys can readily be changed to accommodate cores of various widths or thicknesses.

The forming head 18 is mounted on a pair of vertical shafts 46 for controlled vertical movement by any suitable pressure means (not shown). Thus, in operation,

, the forming head 18 is moved to a vertical upward position to receive the belt core 28. 'The core is usually placed on the machine manually. The machine is then started which causes the forming head 18 to move to a vertically downward position thereby tightening the core 28 around the pulleys 30, 32 and 34 to commence the fabric application process, which will be more fully described hereinafter. When the forming head 18 is moved to the vertical downward position, the resilient bias on the pulley 32 provides the proper tensioning to the core Fabric strip applying mechanism For a better understanding of the [fabric strip applying mechanism 24, reference should be had to FIGURES 2 and 3 wherein it is clearly seen that the basic assembly contains frame or support legs 50 which are mounted on the frame 12. In order to provide reciprocating fabric feeding movement to the basic mechanism 24, a pair of cylindrically shaped slide bars 52 are positioned between the frame legs 50. One of these bars is clearly seen in FIGURE 3. A fabric strip carrying tray, indicated generally by the numeral 54, is mounted by supporting brackets, or legs 56 on the slide bars 52 for slid- .ing movement. The slide tray 54 comprises channeled side members 58 Which provide sides to a fiat bed plate 60, as best seen in FIGURE 2.

In order to guide a fabric strip (not shown) accurately along the tray 54, a pair of adjustable guides 62 carrying clamping or adjusting nuts 64 are provided. A pair of rollers 66 and 68 are suitably journalled on and extend between the side members 58 to assist in moving a fabric strip through the tray 54. A feature of the fabric applying mechanism 24 resides in a forwardly extending feed plate, tongue, or lip 70 which is suitably journalled for pivotal movement on a supporting shaft 72, which shaft 72 also mounts the roller 66. The lip 70 contains a downwardly directed cam surface 74 secured to the bottom thereto and adapted to ride on a roller 76. The roller 76 is mounted to the support frame 50 by a bracket 78, as clearly seen in FIGURE 3. The lip 70 also contains a vacuum plate 80 which is connected by a flexible hose 82 to a suitable vacuum and/or compressed air source (not shown) Further, a cutting plate 84 is mounted by a supporting flange 86 by suitable means such as bolts 88 to the lip 70 at substantially a 45 angle, as indicated in FIGURE 2, to provide means to cut a fabric strip, as will be more fully described hereinafter. In order to provide controlled fabric feeding movement to the fabric strip applying mechanism 24 on the slide rods 52, suitable means, such as a pneumatic cylinder 90, is provided. As indicated in FIGURE 2, a piston rod, or plunger 92 from the cylinder is slidably received in the support frame 50 and is mounted on a flange 94 extending from the mounting brackets 56, by suitable means such as lock bolts 96.

In operation, the plunger 92 is forced out of the cylinder 90 causing the mechanism 24 to be moved laterally to the right in the apparatus as shown, as the brackets 56 slide on the rods 52 as indicated in the drawings by the arrow 98. This sliding action causes the cam 74 to ride on the roller 76 and causes the lip 70 to dipdownwardly when the roller 76 engages a recessed portion of the cam 74. However, when the roller 76 engages a raised trailing portion 102 of the cam 74, it-

causes a sharp upwardly movement of the lip- 70 which results in forcing or impacting a fabric strip carried by the vacuum plate 80 against the outer peripheral surface of the belt core 28 carried by the pulley 34. A collar 104 is provided on the slide rod 52 to limit the lateral motion of the mechanism .24 when it is actuated by the cylinder 90.

With reference to FIGURE 1, it can be seen that the lip 70 is substantially aligned with the bottom surface of the pulley 34 when the forming head .18 is in the downward position so that, as the mechanism 24 is moved laterally to the right, the carnrn'ing action described moves the lip 70 downwardly and then upwardly to push the lip 70 against the bottom of the pulley 34, which thus positions a fabric strip (not shown) carried thereby against the belt core 28. In practice, the fabric strip utilized will usually be of rubberized fabric and will have a tacky surface so that it will, in tact, stick to the belt 28. In order to further enhance the sticking to the belt, the vacuum applied through the plate 80 may be released upon the upward movement of the lip 70 with a short air blast being sent through the plate 80 to blow the fiabric strip toward the belt 28.

Clamping mechanism Further, with reference to FIGURE 1, it is seen that a clamping, or positive fabric feed mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 106, is provided to insure that the fabric strip remains against the belt core 28 after it has been positioned by the fabric strip applying mechanism 24. The clamping mechanism 106 comprises a pressure cylinder 108 mounted to the frame 12 by a bracket110. A plunger 112, made adjustable by an adjusting collar 114 is controlled by the cylinder 108. The plunger carries a pair of parallel, horizontally spaced rollers 116, which are adapted to clamp against the belt core 28 after the fabric strip has been positioned thereagainst, as described heretofore. A switch means 118, which is actuated by a cam on the plunger 112, is provided on the fname 12 to control the actuation of the cylinder 108, plus further actuation of the entire machine, all as will be more fully described hereinafter.

Thus, as described above, the fabric applying mechanism 24 automatically engages the end of a fabric strip with the belt core 28, and the clamping mechanism 106 is promptly energized to insure that the fabric material is securely clamped in place before the rotational movement of the belt core 28 in the direction of the arrows 44 is begun to wrap the fabric on the core.

Fabric strip roll The fabric strip roll 22 normally contains a fabric strip 122 of conventional construction and of proper width to wrap laterally around the core 28, and a liner 124. "The liner :124 is used because the fabric 122 is tacky or sticky, on at least its upper surface. The fabric strip 122 is led over a plurality of rollers 126 in the direction indicated by arrows 128 while the liner 124 is wound onto a take-up roll 130. Normally the. roll 22 is braked, or positively driven to insure some tension on the fabric strip 122. The fabric 122 is festooned around a vertically movable roller 128 in a conventional manner to allow for some give on starting the machine. The fabric strip 122 is next led to the fabric strip applying mechanism 24 and held in position on the vacuum plate 80', all as described heretofore.

Marking mechanism The invention contemplates that a fabric strip marking mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 131, be provided to include a paper roll 132 or similar means, mounted by convenient means to the frame 12, with the paper passing up and under transversely to the fabric 122 on the bed 60 of the fabric applying mechanism 24. The paper strip on the roll 132 has laminated thereon a layer of sticky white rubber 13252, or the like, which is adapted to mark the fabric on the underside thereof to provide length indications in order to aid in cutting the fabric to proper length, as will be more fully described hereinafter. In order to obtain the marking, a plunger mechanism 134 with a soft rubber headed plunger 136 is mounted on the frame 12 in a conventional manner so that the plunger 136 is positioned over the mechanism 24 in alignment with the paper strip from the roll 132. Thus, when the plunger is forced downwardly, striking the fabric strip 122, it forces the fabric strip 122 against the white rubber which leaves a white mark on the fabric strip 122. The invention contemplates that the rubber laminate 132a on the roll 132 will lie under an apertured portion on the bed 60 so that when the plunger 136 is actuated, the fabric strip is forced down against the rubber laminate to make the mark.

Cutter mechanism Generally, the invention contemplates that the marking action described above will be done in conjunction with the cutting of the fabric strip 122 by cutter mechanism, indicated generally by the numeral 140, positioned above the lip 70 of the fabric strip applying mechanism. The cutter mechanism 140 contains a control cylinder 142, that may be air or electrically actuated, mounted in a convenient manner on the frame 12. The cylinder 142 controls a plunger or piston rod 144 to which is aflixed a cutter blade 146. The blade 146 is positioned, for example, at a 45 angle to the longitudinal axis of and above the lip 70 and is adapted to engage the cutting surface 84 of the lip 70. Thus, when the cutter mechanism 140 is actuated to cut the fabric strip 122, as will be described in the sequential operation of the machine hereinafter, the marking plunger 135 is also actuated to mark the fabric strip to indicate a certain length from the end where the fabric strip 122 has been out.

In order to coordinate the action of the cutter mechanism 140 and the marking mechanism 131, the invention provides a photo eye 148 which is mounted on the forming head '18 essentially parallel to the belt core 28 between the pulleys 32 and 34. The distance from the photo eye 148 to the point of initial application of the fabric strip 122 to the core 28 is substantially the same as the distance from the mark placed on the fabric strip 122, as described above, to the cut end of the fabric strip 122. The photo eye 148 views the fabric strip 122 as it passes when the core 28 is rotated and functions to actuate the cutter mechanism 140 and the marking mechanism 131 when the mark is detected, as will be more fully explained in the sequential operation described hereinafter.

Farming and folding mechanism With reference to FIGURES 4 through 7, the folding of the fabric strip 122 onto the belt core 28 will hereinafter be described. Particularly, a pair of pressure rolls 150 and 152, respectively, are provided to give the belt 28 a reverse curvature over the outer peripheral surface of the drive wheel 20, as clearly indicated with reference to FIGURE 5. Note that pressure roll contacts only the middle portion of the belt core 28, as seen in FIGURE 4, to permit the fabric strip 122 to be initially folded around, or close to the sides of the belt 28 by means of a pair of guide or forming plates 154. The forming plates 154 position adjustable longitudinally extending guides 156 which engage and begin to fold the fabric strip 122 laterally around the sides of the belt core 28. The forming plates 154 are mounted on a pair of rods 158 which comprises part of the fold ing mechanism 26, which will be more fully described hereinafter. Pressure roll 152 may have a knurled outer peripheral surface, as seen in FIGURE 4, to obtain more positive engagement with the fabric strip 122 after it has been completely wrapped on the belt 28. Note further, with reference to FIGURE 5, that the pressure roll 152 is pivotally mounted by suitable means, such as a bolt 160, is limited in its downward travel by an adjustable stop 162, and is resiliently biased in the downward, pressure position by a spring means 164.

In order to retain the fabric strip 122 against the sides of the belt core 28, a plurality of finger cams, indicated generally by the numeral 166, are provided. The finger cams 166 are positioned on the pair of rods 158 and will be more fully explained hereinafter. Each finger cam has a cam tip or sleeve 158 mounted for rotational movement on the end thereof. However, it should be noted that the finger cams 166 may be mounted on the rods 158 to provide an eccentric or radially offset mounting in relation to the center of the drive wheel 20 so that the cam tips 168 may effect an uphill action on the fabric strip 122 to insure a tight wrap of the fabric strip 122 against the lateral sides of the belt core 28, or they may merely retain the fabric against the sides of the belt core. The finger cams 166 are positioned at spaced points along the surface of the belt core 28 engaging with the drive wheel 20 to thereby insure a continuous uphill action of the fabric strip 122 against the lateral sides of the belt core 28. The drawings illustrate that two fingers are placed on the outside of the belt core with one finger placed on the in side, but two finger cams can be used on the belt inner side and this arrangement could be otherwise changed depending on wrapping requirements, belt size, and other factors.

In order to complete and tightly wrap the fabric over the top or inner peripheral surface of the belt core 28, a pair of serrated top wrapping discs, or folding wheels 170 and 172, respectively, are provided, as shown in FIGS. 5, 8 and 9. The discs 17!) and 172 are rotatably mounted by the shafts 171 and 173 journalled in the housings 174 and 175, respectively, which are affixed to the forming head 18 by suitable means, such as bolts 178 and 180, respectively. The discs 170 and 172 are driven by conventional means including shafts 300 and 302 journalled on the forming head 18 and operably connecting to the shafts 171 and 173. The discs 170 and 172 are resiliently urged down against the fabric strip 122 to effect a folding, or a fabric stretching action to sequentially lap the .lateral edges of the fabric strip 122 over the radially inner periphery of the belt core 28. The discs 170 and 172 have operative serrated faces parallel to and immediately adjacent and above the upper surface of the belt core when engaging the drive wheel 20. Spring means 175 are provided in the known type of drive means and connecting to the shafts 171 and 173 to urge the discs or folding wheels downwardly. As particularly seen with reference to FIGURE 8, the disc 170 first wraps the outside edge of the fabric strip 122 over the inner peripheral surface of the belt core 28, and as seen in FIGURE 9, the disc 172 then wraps the opposite side edge over to complete the lateral folding of the fabric strip 122 around the belt. core 28. The discs 170 and 172 are in laterally offset relation to the center line of the belt core, as shown in 7 FIGURES 8 and 9, or preferably in the relation shown in FIG. 12. It is to be remembered that the fabric strip 122 is normally rubberized and tacky so that it readily adheres to the belt core 28. Hence, the tight wrap achieved primarily by the top discs 170 and 172 is maintained.

The discs, or wheels 17%) and 172 each preferably are knurled, roughened, or have a plurality of teeth 304 formed thereon. FIGURE 12 particularly illustrates these teeth on wheel 170. These teeth 304, it will be seen, extend tangentially from a center portion of the wheel and with each of these teeth being backwardly inclined with relation to the direction of rotation of the folding wheel or disc when moving fabric into association with a belt core. Each of the folding wheels extends over at least onehalf of the width of the belt core so as to fold the marginal edges of the fabric strip laterally over the belt core, first in one direction to lay one fabric strip edge down on the belt core in tight engagement therewith, and thereafter the other folding wheel or disc 172 engages the other lateral margin of the fabric strip and brings it over into tight engagement with the belt core. There is a maximum overlap of these fabric strip edges, preferably, of approximately one-eighth inch in most belts, and such type of an overlap is obtained with a fabric, which in many instances, is as much as 30 percent less in width than similar fabric strips applied to equivalent belt cores for forming finished belts therefrom. These teeth 304 of the folding wheels, as an important feature of the invention, do not bite into the fabric strip or associated material, but such teeth merely wipe over the fabric to give it a laterally inwardly directed tensioning force thereon and provide the desired tight wrapping action, automatically, of the fabric onto the belt. FIGURES 8 and 9 of the drawings also indicate that the positioning shafts 171 and 173 for these discs are positioned laterally offset from the fixed path of travel of the V-belt cores and with only the toothed or notched portions of the folding wheels engaging the fabric strip, as the fabric strip and belt are moved relative to these folding wheels.

FIGURE 6 of the drawings shows the initial relationship of the fabric strip 122 when applied to the outer surface of the belt core 28. However, FIGURES 13 through 17 show how the guides 156 have progressively folded the lateral margins of this fabric strip around the side portions of'the belt core so that such fabric strip normally can merely be retained against the lateral sides of the belt core by action of the cam sleeves or rollers 168.

It is particularly important in the practice of the invention that a special means he provided to deposit the leading end of the fabric strip against the proper portion of the sides of the belt core and to avoid any tendency of such leading end of the fabric strip to be folded back upon itself in the automatic action of the machine. Hence, preferably one of the guides 156a, as shown in FIGURE 13, has an air jet bore 306 formed therein. This air jet bore 306 is connected to a suitable source of air pressure by a pipe means (not shown) and is provided with a supply of air under pressure when, the mechanism is actuated and the fabric strip has started to move in and move through the apparatus of the invention with the belt core. By this jet blowing out against the leading end of the fabric strip, which normally has been cut on a 45 degree bias, the air flow will aid in maintaining or floatably supporting such leading end in a fiat condition so it will move with the belt core and can conveniently be started to be folded up against the side portions in the belt core by the guides 156 and 156a.

FIGURE 6 illustrates the relation of the belt core 28 to the fabric strip 122 before the fabric strip 122 has entered the adjustable guides 156. FIGURE 7 illustrates the relationship of the finger cams 166 with their cam tips or cylindrical sleeves 168 lying against the inclined sides 28a and 28b of the belt core and providing a holding action on portions of the fabric strip 122 to retain them has resulted in a fabric savings of between 10 to 30 percent, with a stronger V-belt end product resultant.

Finger cam wrap linkage For a better understanding of the control of the finger cams and the adjustable guides 156, of the folding mechanism 26, reference should be had to FIGURE 10 wherein a fluid actuated cylinder 182 is shown, which operates a plunger or piston rod 184. The cylinder 182 is shown out of its true position in FIGURE 1. The plunger 184 is pivotally connected to a balancing link 186 by means of the pin 183. In order to provide arcuate movement for the rods 158, linkages 190 and 192, respectively, are provided between the balancing link 186 and the rods 158, as illustrated, to move the finger cams 166 to converging operating positions when. required. Adjusting means 194 and 196, respectively, are provided on links 190 and 192 to vary the amount of movement of the fingers 166. In order to indicate the movement of the fingers 166, a lever 198 is connected to the plunger 184 and is operatively positioned against a measuring finger 199 of a dial indicator 200. Thus, a machine operator can accurately position the cam fingers 166 in relation to the belt core 28 and fabric strip 122 by means of the suitable calibration of the dial indicator 200.

Basic electrical and pneumatic control circuits In order to understand the basic air pressure and electrical control circuits, reference should be had to FIG- URE 11, wherein a simplified schematic diagram of the air pressure system and electrical control circuit system for the apparatus 10 is illustrated. The system includes an air pressure means, identified by the block 202, and an electrical control circuit, identified by the block 204. The air pressure means 202 connects by means of the air line 203a to the air pressure cylinder 182 for the finger folding mechanism 26, to the pressure cylinder 108 for the fabric clamping mechanism 106 and to the fabric applying mechanism 24. Also, air is used in conjunction with the pressure cylinder 134 of the fabric marking mechanism and for the air blast through the vacuum plate 80 for final application of the fabric strip 122 to the belt core 28, all as described heretofore. Further, the air system actuates the cutter mechanism 140, and a special vacuum line 208 is provided for the vacuum plate 80. A plurality of valves 210 are provided in the air lines 203 feeding each system described above which valves are utilized to control whether the particular system is energized or not, as generally air pressure is provided through the line 203 continuously throughout the operation of the apparatus. Cylinders 205 and 206 are operably connected to the forming head 18 and its supports 46 to control the position thereof.

In order to maintain positive control over the air system, an electrical control circuit 204 is provided which controls a plurality of solenoids 212 connected to the valves 210. The function of the solenoids 212 to automatically operate the system can be obtained by any conventional method such as cams, timing relays, sequential switching means, and so on. Thus, the actual operation of the electrical control circuit 204 is omitted as conventional means may be utilized to control the sequential steps of the machine, as described hereinafter. It should be noted however, that a separate electrical circuit 214 controls the vacuum line 208 to the vacuum plate by a special solenoid valve 210:: in the fabric applying mechanism 24. Also, it should be noted that the photo eye 148 is electrically connected to the cutter mechanism Q to provide the proper timing to the cutting mechanism 140, as described heretofore, and as will be indicated in the sequential operation description hereinafter. A unitary control operates the drive of the wheel 29, pulley 34, and the discs 179 and 172.

Any suitable support 320 may be secured to the frame 12 and protrude therefrom to extend under the slide tray 54, FIGURE 2, to be positioned thereunder. The support 320 engages and operatively positions the paper strip and tape 132a below the movable tray. An arm 322 extends up from the support 320 and its upper end is cut off in FIGURE 2 for clarity to secure the plunger mechanism 134 and control cylinder or means above the slide tray 54.

Sequential operation of apparatus In order to properly understand the operation of the machine, a sequential operating cycle may be described as generally comprising the following steps:

l) The machine operator takes a raw belt core 28 and, with the forming head 18 in the up position, manually places the belt core 28 around the pulleys 30, 32 and 34, making sure the core 28 rides smoothly therearound.

(2) The operator then hits the start button for the apparatus which causes forming head 18 to move vertically downwardly by cylinders 205 and 206 to the operate position which causes the pressure rolls 150 and 152 to force the core 28 into a reverse bend on the outer periphery of the drive wheel 20, which further actuates the cylinder 182 to engage the sleeves 168 with the lateral surfaces of the core 28. Also, the forming head moves the discs 170 and 172 into engagement with the upper surface of the belt core.

(3) When the forming head 18 is in the proper downward position, it engages a limit switch which actuates the fabric applying mechanism 24. It is assumed that the fabric roll 22 has been properly threaded and that a fabric strip 122 is positioned properly in the mechanism 24 with a 45 cut having been made thereon by the cutter assembly 140, and that the cut end of the fabric strip 122 is held in place by the vacuum applied through the plate 80. Further, as will be described later in the operation, the fabric strip 122 has been marked by the marking paper from the paper roll 132 by means of the plunger 136, which marlc'ng indicates a certain distance from the cut end of the fabric strip 122. Therefore, upon actuation of the limit switch when the forming head 18 is in the downward position, the plunger 92 is actuated which slides the mechanism 24 to the right which causes the lip 70 to pivot downward and then upwardly to slap the fabric strip 122 against the outer peripheral surface of the core 28, all as described heretofore. Various means can be used to change the vacuum to the plate 86 to an air blast at the proper time to further insure that the strip 22 is firmly pushed against the core 28. When the mechanism 24 has moved to the extreme right position, various means such as limit switches may be used to release or reverse the pressure thereto causing it to move back to its initial position.

(4) The side roller mechanism 26 is actuated by suitable means such as limit switches engaged when the fabric strip applying mechanism 24 returns to its initial position which causes the fingers 166 to pivot in against the sides of the core 28, as described heretofore.

(5) After the fabric applying mechanism 24 has re turned to its initial position, it hits limit switches or similar means to actuate the pressure roller assembly 106 which causes the piston 168 to push the rollers 116 against the bottom side of the pulley 34 to insure that the fabric strip 122 is maintained in position against the core 28.

(6) As the piston rod 112 of the pressure roller assembly 106 is moved to apply rollers 116 against the pulley 34, it actuates the switch 118 through the cam 120, as described heretofore, which turns on the drive to drive wheel 20, and to the other driven means in the apparatus.

(7) As the drive wheel 26 is actuated, the photo eye 14% is turned on to begin scanning the outer surface of the core 28 with the fabric cover to detect the mark placed on the fabric as described heretofore. The core 28 is rotated in the direction of the arrows 44 causing fabric strip 122 to be wrapped around the core 28 with an uphill scrubbing action by the side finger cam tips 158 and the top cover discs 170 and 172, respectively, as described heretofore.

(8) The photo eye 14-8 detects the mark and immedidiately closes the circuit to the cutter mechanism which cuts the fabric strip 122 on the 45 angle, as described heretofore. Since the photo eye 148 is placed the same distance from the beginning of the wrap as the mark is placed from the cut end of the fabric strip 122, the cutting of the fabric strip 122 in accordance with the detection of the mark by the photo eye 14% automatically insures that the fabric is cut to the proper length so that the wrap may be completed with a minimum of fabric.

(9) The drive continues to move the core 28 and fabric 122 a controlled time interval to complete the wrap after the cut of the fabric has been effected. Then the machine shuts down automatically.

(10) When the machine is automatically stopped, a new mark is deposited on the fabric strip 122 by the marking mechanism 131 to thereby make the fabric strip 122 ready for the next wrapping action.

(11) The forming head 18 is moved vertically upward and the operator manually removes the wrapped V-belt which is now ready for vulcanization.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention have been achieved by providing an automatic V-belt fabric wrapping machine which utilizes a unique means to initially apply the fabric to a core, and which utilizes a novel scrubbing action to insure the tightest possible wrap of the fabric around the core to provide greater strength and a savings of material. Further, the electric eye is coordi mated with a marking and cutting mechanism to insure that the fabric strip is cut to a proper length regardless of the length of the belt to be covered, and which again insures that minim-um material is utilized. The apparatus is completely adjustable to various sizes of belts to thereby provide great flexibility. The spring loaded mounting to one of the pulleys carrying the core insures proper tensioning while the serrated drive wheel in conjunction with the pressure rolls forming the reverse curvature to the core throughout the area of wrapping provides positive drive and a more efiicient wrapping.

While in accordance with the patent statues one best known embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be particularly understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby but that the inventive scope is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus for covering an endless belt core with an elongated fabric strip, the combination of a frame,

spaced rotatable means operatively mounted to said frame and supporting said belt core,

means to reversely bend a portion of said belt core to define an arc of a circle, a tongue pivotally mounted to said frame, an elongated fabric strip being releasably positioned on said tongue,

means to pivot said tongue and position said fabric strip thereon in centered relation to the outer peripheral surface of said belt core,

means to hold said fabric strip against said belt core at one portion thereof,

means to move said belt core about said supporting means after said fabric strip is held in position against said belt core, and

means to wrap the edges of the fabric strip laterally around said belt core as it is moved with a scrubbing action on said fabric strip, said means wrapping said fabric strip on the reversely bent portion of said belt core as said be lt core moves around the spaced rotatable supporting means, said means including cams engaging the sides of said belt core, and disc means to fold said fabric strip over the radially inner side of said belt core, said discs being laterally spaced in relation to said belt core and being offset from a plane including are describing the reverse bend to said belt core.

2. In an apparatus'for covering an endless belt core with a fabric, the combination of a frame,

rotatable means operatively mounted on said frame and supporting said belt core,

means to reversely bend a portion of said belt core to define an arc of a circle,

a feed means slidably and p-ivotally mounted on said frame, a fabric strip being re'leas-ably held on said feed means,

means to advance and pivot said feed means and position said fabric thereon against the outer peripheral surface of said belt core,

means to hold said fabric strip against said belt core after once positoned thereagainst,

drive means to move the belt core about the supporting means after said fabric strip is held in position against said belt core, and

eccentrically positoned disc means operatively positioned on said frame to engage and wrap the edges of the fabric strip laterally around said belt core by edge portions of said discs as the fabric strip is moved through said are with wiping action on said fabric strip.

3. In an apparatus for covering an endless core with an elongated flat strip, the combination of a frame,

a forming head operatively affixed to said frame and adapted for movement in relation thereto,

means connected to said forming head for controlling the position thereof,

pulley means rotatably affixed to said frame and at least one pulley means rotatably afiixed to said forming head, said pulleys being adapted to mount said core for movement there-around when said forming head is in one of its extreme positions,

a drive Wheel operatively mounted for rotational movement on said frame, pressure roll means operatively mounted to said frame adapted to force at least a portion of the length of said core into a reverse curvature on the outer periphery of said drive wheel,

fabric feed means movably carried by said frame and adapted to position one side of the end of said fabric strip against the radially outer surface of said core,

means to rotate said drive wheel when said fabric strip is positioned against said core tomove said core in relation to said pulley means,

cam means mounted adjacent said core along the portion of the length of said core bent into a reverse curvature to hold the edges of said strip against the sides of said core, and

disc means mounted adjacent said core on said forming head along the portion of the length of said core bent into a reverse curvature on laterally offcenter points from said reverse bend and adapted to sequentially fold the edges of said fabric strip over the radially inner peripheral side of said core with scrubbing motion as said core is moved around said pulley means.

4. In an apparatus for covering an endless core with an'elongated flat rubberized fabric strip, the combination of a frame,

a plurality of pulley means rotatably afiixed to said frame means to mount said core at peripherally spaced points for movement through a fixed path,

a drive wheel operatively mounted for rotational movement on said frame,

means openatively mounted on said frame to force at least a portion of the length of said core into a reverse curvature on the outer periphery of said drive wheel,

feed means operatively aflixed to said frame and adapted to releasably carry a fabric strip for deposit against a surface of said core positioned on said pulley means,

means to rotate said drive wheel when said fabric strip is positioned against said core and to move said core in relation to said pulley means,

guide means mounted adjacent said core upstream of the portion of the length of said core bent into a reverse curvature and adapted to position the edges of said strip against the sides of said core as said core is moved thereby, and

15 driven disc-like folding means mounted adjacent said core along the portion of the length thereof bent into a reverse curvature but laterally off the center line thereof to sequentially engage and fold the lateral edges of said fabric strip over the radially inner peripheral side of said core as said core is moved through a fixed path, said folding means including substantially flat surfaces resiliently positioned against said fabric strip on the radially inner peripheral side of said core.

5. In an apparatus for automatically covering an endless belt with a rubberized fabric which belt comprises a core of vuloanizab-le material, the combination of a frame, a plurality of pulley means operatively carried by said frame to mount said belt for linear movement in relation thereto, said pulley means being adjustable to accommodate belts of different lengths and sizes,

means to drive at least one pulley to effect movement of said belt,

linear sliding means operatively aligned with said belt and adapted to carry the end of a strip of said rubberized fa bric,

cam means adapted to pivot said linear sliding means in the vertical direction to press said fabric against said belt when said linear sliding means is moved linearly towards said belt,

means to move said linear sliding means towards said belt,

roller means adapted to operatively secure said fabric to said belt after said fabric has been initially positioned thereto,

guide means adapted to operatively guide said fabric in relation to said belt as the belt moves linearly after said fabric has been intially secured thereto and held in position by said roller means,

drive Wheel means operatively engaging said belt between two pulleys,

pressure roll means forcing at least a portion of the belt into a reverse curvature on the outer periphery of said drive wheel means,

guide means engaging leading portions of said fabric strip as moved with said belt to fold it inwardly towards the sides of said belt, and

cam folding means positioned on opposite sides of said belt in the area of the portion of the length bent into a reverse curvature to retain said fabric against the sides of said belt as said belt is moved relatively thereto.

6. In an apparatus for automatically covering an endless belt with a rubberized fabric, the combination of a frame,

pulley means operatively carried by said frame to mount said belt for linear movement in relation thereto,

linear sliding means operatively aligned with a portion of said belt and adapted to carry the end of a strip of said rubberized fabric,

, means adapted to pivot said linear sliding means in the vertical direction to press said fabric against said belt when said linear sliding means is moved linearly towards said belt,

means to :move said linear sliding means towards said belt, rive wheel means operatively engaging said belt between two pulley :means,

pressure roll means forcing at least a portion of the belt into a reverse curvature on the outer periphery of said drive wheel means,

means to drive said drive Wheel means to move said belt linearly,

folding means positioned on opposite sides of said belt in the area of the portion of the length bent int-o a reverse curvature, said folding means functioning to fold said fabric laterally around said belt with an uphill scrubbing action as said belt is moved relatively thereto, and

cutting means operatively mounted to said frame and adapted to cut said fabric to a length substantially equal to circumferential length of said belt.

7. In an apparatus for automatically covering an endless core with an elongated rubberized fabric strip, the combination of a frame,

a vertically sliding forming head operatively mounted in sliding relation to said frame,

a plurality of rotational support means operatively afiixed to said frame and adapted to support said core at peripherally spaced points, at least one of said support means being operatively mounted on said forming head,

a drive wheel operatively mounted for rotational movement on said frame, the outer peripheral surface of said drive wheel being aligned with at least a portion of said core,

pressure roll means forcing said core into a reverse bend on the outer periphery of said drive Wheel,

means to drive said drive Wheel, and

a plurality of driven fabric wrapping members rotatably mounted on said forming head, said members being mounted in laterally off-center relation to said drive wheel and adapted to engage said core on the top thereof along the reversely curved portion thereof when said forming head is at its downward position, said members effecting a scrubbing action on said fabric strip to wrap said fabric strip tightly laterally around said core when said core is moved by said drive wheel.

8. In an apparatus for automatically covering an endless core with a rubberized fabric, the combination of a frame,

rotatable means operatively attached to said frame and supporting said core at peripheral spaced points,

means to place a reverse curvature along at least a portion of said core when positioned on said supporting means,

means to drive said core about said supporting means and through said reversed curvature,

feed means adapted to carry said fabric and place it against said core,

cutting means to cut said fabric on said feed means,

marker means associated with said feed means adapted to mark said fabric strip at a point to indicate a specific distance from the end thereof,

guide means to automatically fold said fabric strip about the sides of said core as said core is advanced,

serrated disc means operatively mounted in relation to said reverse curved portion of said core to provide surfaces to engage and wrap said fabric strip laterally around and over the top of said core by moving tensional forces applied to the edges of said fabric strip as said core is moved about said supporting means by said driving means, and

photo electric eye means adapted to view said mark as said fabric strip is wrapped on said core, said photo electric eye means being located at a distance from said initial application point of said fabric to said core which is equal to the distance from said mark on said fabric to the cut end thereof, said photo electric eye means operating to actuate said cutting means to cut said fabric strip in predetermined time relation to the detection of said mark by said photo electric eye means.

9. In an apparatus for automatically covering an endless core with a rubberized fabric, the combination of a frame,

rotatable means operatively attached to said frame and supporting said core at peripheral spaced points,

means to place a reverse curvature along at least a portion of said core when positioned on said supporting means,

means to drive said core about said supporting means and through said reversed curvature,

feed means adapted to carry said fabric and place it against said core,

marker means associated with said feed means adopted to mark said fabric strip at a point to indicate a specific distance from the end thereof,

cam means operatively mounted in relation to said reverse curved portion of said core to hold said fabric strip against the sides of said core as said core is moved about said supporting means by said driving means, and

photo electric eye means adapted to view said mark as said fabric strip is wrapped on said core, said photo electric eye means being located at a distance from said initial application point of said fabric to said core which is equal to the distance from said mark on said fabric to the cut end thereof, said photo electric type means operating to terminate drive of said core in predetermined time relation to the detection of said mark by said photo electric eye means.

10. In an apparatus for covering a belt core With a fabric strip, the combination of a frame,

means to position a portion of said belt core to move through a fixed path,

means operatively carried by said frame to position a fabric strip against a surface of said belt core,

means operatively carried by said frame to move said belt core through said fixed path after said fabric strip is held in position against said surface of said belt core,

mounting bar means operatively mounted for rotational movement on said frame,

finger means operatively affixed to said mounting bar means,

sleeve-like cam means rotatably carried by said finger means and adapted to be operatively positioned against the sides of the said belt core to force said fabric strip thereagainst,

means operatively attached to said mounting bar means for arcuate movement thereof to operatively position said cam means against the sides of said bel-t core, and

driven serrated disc means carried by said frame to engage the lateral margins of said fabric strip resiliently by marginal portions of the disc means and fold them over the top of said belt core.

11. In an apparatus for covering a belt core with a fabric strip, the combination of a frame,

means to position a portion of said belt core to move through a fixed path,

means operatively carried by said frame to position a fabric strip against a surface of said belt core,

means operatively carried by said frame to move said belt core through said fixed path after said fabric strip is held in position against said surface of said belt core,

mounting bar means operatively mounted for rotational movement on said frame,

finger means operativel} fixed to said mounting bar References Cited sy the Examiner sle xi i i lie cam means rotatably carried by said finger UNITED T PATENTS means and adapted to be operatively positioned 10/1931 Shlvely 156-460 against the sides of the said belt core to force said 5 EEEZ i i fabric strip thereagainst, and means operatively attached to said mounting bar means FOREIGN PATENTS for arcuate movement thereof to operatively position 562,338 12/1951 Great Britain said cam means against the sides of said belt core to a hold portions of said fabric strip against said belt 10 EARL BERGERT lmary Examiner core as it is moved through said fixed path. P. DIER, Assistant Examiner. 

8. IN AN APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY COVERING AN ENDLESS CORE WITH A RUBBERIZED FABRIC, THE COMBINATION OF A FRAME, ROTATABLE MEANS OPERATIVELY ATTACHED TO SAID FRAME AND SUPPORTING SAID CORE AT PERIPHERAL SPACED POINTS, MEANS TO PLACE A REVERSE CURVATIVE ALONG AT LAST A PORTION OF SAID CORE WHEN POSITIONED ON SAID SUPPORTING MEANS, MEANS TO DRIVE SAID CORE ABOUT SAID SUPPORTING MEANS AND THROUGH SAID REVERSED CURVATURE, FEED MEANS ADAPTED TO CARRY SAID FABRIC AND PLACE IT AGAINST SAID CORE, CUTTING MEANS TO CUT SAID FABRIC ON SAID FEED MEANS, MARKER MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID FEED MEANS ADAPTED TO MARK SAID FABRIC STRIP AT A POINT TO INDICATE A SPECIFIC DISTANCE FROM THE END THEREOF, GUIDE MEANS TO AUTOMATICALLY FOLD SAID FARBIC STRIP ABOUT THE SIDES OF SAID CORE AS SAID CORE IS ADVANCED, SERRATED DISC MEANS OPERATIVELY MOUNTED IN RELATION TO SAID REVERSE CURVED PORTION OF SAID CORE TO PROVIDE SURFACE TO ENGAGE AND WRAP SAID FABRIC STRIP LATERALLY AROUND AND OVER THE TOP OF SAID CORE BY MOVING TENSIONAL FORCES APPLIED TO THE EDGES OF SAI FABRIC STRIP AS SAID CORE IS MOVED ABOUT SAID SUPPORTING MEANS BY SAID DRIVING MEANS, AND PHOTO ELECTRIC EYE MEANS ADAPTED TO VIEW SAID MARK AS SAID FABRIC STRIP IS WRAPPED ON SAID CORE, SAID PHOTO ELECTRIC EYE MEANS BEING LOCATED AT A DISTANCE FROM SAID INITIAL APPLICATION POINT OF SAID FABRIC TO SAID CORE WHICH IS EQUAL TO THE DISTANCE FROM SAID MARK ON SAID FABRIC TO THE CUT END THEREOF, SAID PHOTO ELECTRIC EYE MEANS OPERATING TO ACTUATE SAID CUTTING MEANS TO CUT SAID FABRIC STRIP IN PREDETERMINED TIME RELATION TO THE DETECTION OF SAID MARK BY SAID PHOTO ELECTRIC EYE MEANS. 